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Carol’s nerves today were worlds apart from her failed wedding to Tag. Seven years ago, the day came to a screeching halt when he told her that he could tell she was harboring feelings for someone else, and she also admitted that she didn’t love him the same way he did, even though she still wanted to be with him. Then, she had mixed feelings of guilt and devastation when he walked away, and she went to sit in the church alone until Doug joined her and tried to help her feel better, which made her realize she would have ultimately been dissatisfied had she gone through with the marriage.
Tag, of course, left County by the end of that summer, and she never heard from him again. And as far as she knew, neither did any of her coworkers.
But now, she was worried about other things. Like hoping that Tess and Kate would wear their flower girl outfits and not be cranky on the way up the aisle. And that the weather would hold off. Now that she had been in Seattle for two years, she could deal with an overcast or cloudy wedding day as long as it didn’t rain during the short ceremony on the boat dock. The reception was set to be at a local restaurant with Mark, Elizabeth, and the girls, as well as Carol’s mom and some of hers and Doug’s new colleagues.
Carol remembered how nervous she was to start over at a new hospital, thinking that she could never replace the friendships she had with her colleagues at County. But she knew they would always be a part of her life, and she reminded herself that she would make new friends at University of Washington as long as she was open-minded and showed she was excited to be a part of the team. Now, she felt more comfortable and at home in the Pacific Northwest, and it was nice that she could invite some of those people to the reception since not everyone from County could come across the country, as that would leave the ER severely shorthanded.
She also found herself hoping she wouldn’t forget the speech she had written for Doug. They didn’t want to write their own vows, since neither of them were that confident in their ability to be creative, and decided instead they would say a few words to each other before saying “I do.”
Still, she knew everything else would work out just fine once they got past the ceremony. She couldn’t wait to see him when he came back to the house and before they took their first steps to the dock. It was going to be so picturesque and intimate, with the waves of the lake gently rolling behind them. It only felt appropriate to get married in the place where they’d first reunited and she surprised him by flying from Chicago on such short notice, leaving her coworkers and friends behind in a rush to make it to the airport. Plus, she wasn’t too eager to duplicate her canceled wedding and go to a church in a big white dress again, even though she was wearing a simpler white dress today.
Before she could continue daydreaming about the ceremony, her phone rang. It was Elizabeth, who was her matron of honor.
“Hey Elizabeth,” Carol said. “Don’t tell me I lost track of time and Doug is on his way back.” Carol was getting ready at the house, while Doug was at the hotel where Mark and Elizabeth were staying and getting dressed in their room. He’d told Carol that all he had to do was put a suit on and it didn’t really matter where he did it; he thought she should have more space. Her mom, meanwhile, had booked a daytime room at the same hotel to help the girls get ready.
“Oh no; not even close,” Elizabeth replied. “I am on my way, though. Do you need me to bring you anything to eat or drink? I assume by now you have your hair and makeup done, but if you’re already wearing your dress, I don’t want you to risk spilling something on it.”
“I’m OK, thanks. But the makeup artist just left, so I haven’t put my dress on yet. You’ll have to help me zip up when you get here. How do you think Ella’s getting along with Amelia?” Carol was referring to Tess and Kate’s babysitter, who had offered to watch Ella when she heard about Mark and Elizabeth not being able to leave her with anyone back in Chicago.
“Everything’s going great; don’t worry about that. That’s my job. I’ll help you with the dress; no worries. I’m already dressed. But since you asked about Doug, I’ll tell you the boys were having a last celebratory drink. I told them to take it easy and save it for dinner—don’t worry, Mark is going to hold him accountable. I can assure you he is as excited as you are.”
“I’m so glad we can count on Mark. And I’ll see you soon. Thanks for checking in.”
“Nervous yet?” Elizabeth asked once she arrived back at the house.
“Worried about everything going right, yes, but confident in my choice to get married,” Carol replied. “I mean, after my first wedding got called off, no other guy I spent time with could make me feel the way Doug did. He’s always made me his priority and checked in on me. He wanted us to have a family together and stayed by my side even when I was getting frustrated that I wasn’t pregnant. No matter how many fights we had, we always seemed to work them out somehow.”
“I think that’s what makes marriage a good idea, though. I mean, Mark proposed to me the same day we had a fight. It was quite a rollercoaster, but I was able to see he still cared about me, enough that he bought a house because he wanted us to have a better living space as we started the next part of our relationship. He just couldn’t tell me at the time we were arguing. Besides, look what you were willing to do for love…fly to the other side of the country with basically no plan except to buy the ticket and go. If you guys had broken up after that, I would have thought you lost your mind.”
“I questioned myself a little on the flight, like what would I do if I came here and he had moved on? What if he didn’t feel the same anymore? Then I’d have to go back to Chicago, brokenhearted. I’d have to tell everyone it didn’t work out and I had embarrassed myself. Happily, it turned out a year was like nothing when we knew we wanted to be together. Tess and Kate needed to be with their father, and I wanted to complete our family. The wedding today is not just mine and Doug’s union; we’re uniting the girls with us too, even though you could argue we already did that two years ago. There’s just something about the idea of making it official, though.”
“Well, your wedding day should be everything you dreamed of and more. Now, I wasn’t in Chicago yet when your first wedding was called off, but did you always think that if you wanted to plan another wedding that it would be on a smaller scale?”
“Considering that Doug wanted to surprise me with a small wedding about a year before I got pregnant, I think it’s pretty characteristic of us to go this way.” Carol laughed. “Mark was even going to be the best man at that time. I regretted ruining the surprise when I kissed that EMT, but he always thought it should just be the two of us and witnesses. He wasn’t into the idea of the big white wedding, but when he re-proposed to me, so to speak, he said that if that’s what I wanted, he would go along with it. It wasn’t, though. I can’t wait to stand on the dock and exchange vows and rings. That’s enough for me.”
She stood up and smiled back at Elizabeth. “I haven’t wanted to turn back in the two years I’ve been here,” she said. “I can’t wait to make today the first day of forever.”
“Then let’s not waste anymore time,” Elizabeth said. “Why don’t you start getting ready? Sorry the photographer isn’t here so we can’t get any shots of us bonding as best friends while I zip up your dress and we drink some champagne or something.”
“Oh, I told the photographer I didn’t really need those photos. I love you, but I’m not going to look back at today and recall us talking in my bedroom. What matters is that you and Mark, who have been mine and Doug’s best friends for what feels like forever on its own, will be there with Tess and Kate. Those are the important photos. But yes, I should get my dress out of the bag now.” Carol started unzipping the garment bag and took the dress into the bathroom so she could put it on, her excitement reaching a new height now that the ceremony was less than an hour away.
“That was a good pre-wedding beverage,” Doug said to Mark as he finished the last of his beer and put it in the trash can. “Can’t wait to have one or two more at dinner, and besides, it’s not worth messing up the ceremony when Carol and I have come this far.”
“You nervous at all?” Mark asked. “Or are you pretty excited now?”
“The only thing I’m nervous about is what if the reverse of the first wedding happens. What if Carol gets cold feet and turns into the runaway bride? Then again, I know you’re going to tell me that if I’m this worried, I shouldn’t be going through with it in the first place. But you know what? I can’t wait for us to walk down that dock together and officially become her husband.”
“Then you’re taking the right step. It’s kind of hard for me to believe, though, that it took you guys this long. I know there were some wrenches thrown in the plan, of course. But I really thought that four years ago, I’d be standing next to you as your best man, so you guys would have already been married when the twins were born. That means I would have never been Carol’s Lamaze coach. Or maybe life would have worked out differently and you only would have one child. The world will never know.”
“Scary enough that there’s two younger versions of me running around, right?” Doug chuckled. “But Mark, Carol’s the only woman I’ve ever felt fulfilled with. When I look back on my dating years, I felt like those women were just filling the gap. None of them were her, even if they had other good qualities and were beautiful. That said, I also wasn’t ready for a more serious commitment at that point either. I didn’t talk about marriage or kids with any of them. At the same time, I consider myself damn lucky I ended up with her given how many times I violated her boundaries and made her mad. Again, though, the timing had to be just so.”
“You’ve really grown,” Mark told him. “I’m proud of you. And I’m so happy for you both. Glad I could make it out here too given the last year Elizabeth and I have had.”
“Listen, that means a lot to me too, buddy. Carol and I were heartbroken when you called to tell us about your brain tumor. That was part of the reason we wanted to get married when we did. Once we found out you were in remission, she told me she wanted to just get on with the wedding so you and Elizabeth could be here. And she even talked about how excited she was to meet Ella. I wonder if it’s going to make her want to have another baby.”
“Have you guys talked about that?”
“Not really. Of course, if she thinks she can handle another pregnancy and wants to try for a baby, I’ll definitely be in her corner, especially since we’re together and nothing can stop us now. I think Tess and Kate would love being big sisters too. If I had to give you an answer right now, however, I’d say we’re pretty happy with just the two of them. For me, it’s one of those things where if it’s something we want to try and it happens, great. If not, I have everything I want and need.”
“Good to hear you’re not actually too nervous. That seems to be more of a thing for brides, from what I understand. Elizabeth was so stressed out on our wedding day, but that was part my fault for running late and letting myself get pulled in a hundred different directions. I’m sorry you guys had to miss it, but I’m happy I get to be here for you now.”
“Well, Carol wasn’t thrilled about the logistics of going cross country with two babies,” Doug said. “We enjoyed the pictures, though. But you know? It’s hard to be nervous when you know that even if it drizzles during the vows or I trip walking to the dock, I’ll still be married to the love of my life at the end of the day. I know that sounds deep coming from me, but it’s the truth.”
“All right then, Aristotle.” Mark laughed. “Whenever you’re suited up, let me know and we’ll start heading back to the house. And happy wedding day. You and Carol deserve nothing but the best.”
Carol had come up with the idea that she and Doug should walk to the dock together because after all, they had been living together for two years, so she believed there was no need for the wedding day superstition of the groom not seeing the bride until she walked down the aisle. He had agreed, seeing as they had already waited this long to get married, and they both decided it was best to avoid any more surprises.
So, when Doug got back to the house, he let Mark know he’d see him and Elizabeth shortly and then headed inside to meet Carol, who was already sitting in the living room. She stood up to meet him so he could see how she looked. She was wearing a white, sleeveless lace dress that went just past her knees and had a sheer collar, as well as a pink bow on the side, with a pair of white low heels. Doug had on a gray suit with a black tie.
“You look beautiful,” he said, flashing the million-dollar smile that made Carol fall in love with him to begin with.
“And you still look amazing in a suit, for how rarely you wear one,” she told him. “You ready to get this show on the road? The photographer is already here.” Of course, as soon as she said that, she saw their photographer snap a photo of them talking and admiring each other’s outfits.
“I think she already is.” Doug replied. “But you’re right. We know what we want to do, and there’s not much more to say. Do you know if your mother is here yet?”
“She is. I talked to her for a little bit before you got here, but then she went outside because I told her that you and I wanted to have some alone time before the ceremony. I’ve already seen Tess and Kate, and they’re looking too cute in their matching pink dresses. Wait until you see them. I know they won’t remember today, but I can’t imagine not having them here. I’m glad we decided to let Mom bring them.”
“I am too. And I’m ready whenever you are. Don’t forget your flowers.” He gestured to her small bouquet of pink and white roses, and she picked them up before he took her hand and they walked outside.
Once the door opened, their small audience turned around to greet them and admire Carol’s dress once again, pretending they were seeing her for the first time. She stopped on their way to the dock to hug her mom, and both she and Doug made sure to hold the girls’ hands while they walked. Tess and Kate happily threw their petals in no uniform way, with some of them even falling into the lake.
“Dearly beloved,” the justice of the peace said after he welcomed everyone to the ceremony. “Today, we are here to unite Doug and Carol in marriage. To my understanding, their relationship has not always been a traditional one, but through all the ups and downs, they have never wanted to be with anyone but the other. Today, they will exchange their vows and wedding rings before taking the next step into their new lives as husband and wife. However, before they do, they have each prepared a short speech they’d like to share with each other.”
Carol decided she would go first, and she pulled a piece of paper out of her bouquet.
“Doug, before I came to Seattle on the spur of the moment, I told a new friend of mine at County that I’d loved you since I was twenty-three years old. Then, as I rode on the plane, I regretted not following you out here when you left Chicago. I loved you so much, but I also loved the life I had in the place where I grew up. But once I landed and came to the house, I realized that I was finally home where I belonged, and Tess and Kate eventually got to where they needed to be too, even though they don’t understand that right now. I’m so glad we are finally standing here today about to be married, and I can’t wait to see all the adventures we still have to come.”
Doug didn’t say anything back immediately, pausing to smile at her before taking a paper out of his pocket and unfolding it to begin his speech.
“Carol, sometimes I don’t think I deserve you,” he said, taking a minute to collect himself. “Even when you made mistakes, you were lightyears ahead of me in maturity and confident about where you wanted to be in life. I didn’t know if I could measure up to you and be the partner, or eventually husband, that you needed. Just as you wish you had come to Seattle sooner, sometimes I sat out here wondering why I wasn’t planning a flight to Chicago, even though I did come see you and the twins a few times after they were born. But thankfully, we quickly realized that we couldn’t keep that up forever. I’m so glad you still believed in our relationship enough to leave behind almost everything you’d ever known to come out here and begin a new life with me. If anything, it only made me want to marry you more. Thank you for doing this. Like you said, I can’t wait to see where life takes us from here.”
“And I’ll never forget the day you ‘re-proposed’ to me,” she said with a laugh. “That was an impromptu addition to my speech,” she added, briefly turning to address the other attendees.
“I think we’re ready to do the official part.” Doug told the justice of the peace.
“OK then.” Their officiant nodded. “Do you, Doug, take Carol to be your wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do you part?”
“I do.” Doug answered.
“And do you, Carol, take Doug to be your husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do you part?”
“I do.” Carol smiled and wiped a tear from her eye, and Doug squeezed her hand.
“Very good. Then it’s time for the exchange of rings, if your attendants would please step forward.” Mark and Elizabeth each handed a ring to Doug and Carol, and Doug turned back to Carol, taking her hand again.
“Carol,” he said. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He put the silver band on her finger, and she looked down at it briefly, forming a fist with her other hand to ensure she wouldn’t accidentally drop Doug’s ring out of nervousness.
“And Doug,” she said. “With this ring, I thee wed.” She put his ring on, and they looked at each other, eager for what was to come next.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Washington, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the justice of the peace said. “You may now exchange your first kiss as a married couple.” With that, Doug and Carol wasted no more time and immediately embraced in a kiss. It may have still been cloudy, but at that moment, it felt like the most beautiful day of the year.
“We did it!” she said once they came off the dock and met up with their family and friends. “I don’t know about you, but for me, it was worth the wait.”
“You guys are stuck with each other now,” Mark joked. “So it better have been.”
“Oh, well I think there are worse ways to spend the rest of your life.” Doug quipped back. “But I’m certainly not going to complain. Not when I have my three favorite girls along for the ride.”
“Well, I for one never thought I’d marry my first love.” Carol said, smiling again. “I used to believe it was only something that happened on TV and in the movies. But I agree. It happened when the time was right, and not a moment sooner.”
“Not to interfere, but since it seems like it might start raining, maybe we should get inside for a quick celebration before we head to dinner?” Elizabeth suggested. “I have some champagne, after all, reminiscent of the girls’ nights I used to have with Carol before motherhood and marriage came along for us.”
“Sounds good to me.” Doug replied. “After all, we have the rest of our lives to rush around. For now, I’m all in favor of taking it slow.”
Carol silently agreed and looked forward to drinking some champagne with her loved ones. While Doug had been among her nearest and dearest for most of her adult life, it was nice to finally call him her husband. And it made her realize that sometimes, it was OK for relationships to not be a straight line of dating, marriage, and children in that order.
After all, taking detours and sticking together for the better part of the last decade worked out pretty well in the end.